Welcome to The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC
Servicing: Bertie, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties
December 2025
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
D. Cole Phelps Earns State Board Certification in Juvenile Delinquency Law
Plymouth, NC — Attorney D. Cole Phelps has been officially certified as a Board Certified Specialist in Juvenile Delinquency Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, recognizing advanced experience and demonstrated judgment in representing young people within the court system.
The North Carolina State Bar certifies lawyers as specialists in designated practice areas as a service to the public. The program assists members of the public in selecting legal counsel by identifying lawyers who have demonstrated special knowledge, skill, and proficiency in specific areas of law.
As of January 2026, there are approximately 1,225 Board Certified Specialists among roughly 34,000 active attorneys in the State of North Carolina.
To earn certification, attorneys must demonstrate years of focused practice, complete extensive continuing legal education, undergo peer review, and pass a comprehensive written examination designed to assess both knowledge and decision-making.
Phelps has spent much of his legal career in juvenile courtrooms across Eastern North Carolina, working with children and families during some of the most consequential moments they face. His work emphasizes accountability, rehabilitation, and careful decision-making that recognizes both public safety and a young person’s capacity for growth.
“Juvenile court is where futures are shaped,” Phelps said. “These are kids who are still growing, still learning, and still capable of change. The decisions made in those moments are real and lasting. I’ve seen how showing up prepared, informed, and willing to weigh both accountability and opportunity can change the direction of a young person’s life. This certification reflects my commitment to taking that responsibility seriously every single day.”
Phelps’ certification is effective through December 31, 2030, subject to ongoing education and recertification requirements established by the North Carolina State Bar.
Phelps is the founder of The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC, established in 2013. He practices primarily in district court and has represented clients throughout Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, Washington, and surrounding counties.
Notice to Clients:
Updated Office Hours
Effective beginning the week of January 2, 2024, our operating hours will be adjusted as follows:
– Monday through Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
– Closed daily from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for lunch
– Fridays: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
If you need additional assistance outside of these hours, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at attorneyphelps@dcolephelps.com.
Thank you.
"It all started with a DREAM."
Welcome to The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC, where our commitment to community and service is at the heart of everything we do. Founded on October 18, 2013, by Attorney D. Cole Phelps, our firm was born out of a deep desire to give back to the community that played a significant role in shaping his life and career. Attorney Phelps returned to his roots in Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina, with the goal of providing dedicated and compassionate legal representation to the people of his home county and beyond.
At The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC, we take pride in serving the legal needs of clients across Bertie, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, with our services extending to other areas as needed. Our firm is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients.
We understand that navigating legal challenges can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our practice areas are diverse, allowing us to address a wide range of legal matters, including traffic violations, criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies, expungements, estate planning, small business formation, family law, debt collection, and real estate transactions. We are dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to meet your unique needs.
At the core of our practice is the belief—that everyone—deserves access to quality legal representation. Whether you’re seeking to clear your criminal record, protect your assets through estate planning, or resolve a family dispute, you can trust that we will approach your case with the care and attention it deserves. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about how we can assist you and to discover the values that drive our firm.
"I am persuaded that if most people saw what I see on a regular basis, they would want change." - Attorney Bryan Stevenson
Criminal Law
Are you familiar with how the criminal justice system works? Are you aware of certain constitutional rights that you have? Have you been accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony in North Carolina?
Establishing a Small Business
Have you thought about forming a small business? Have you thought about forming a partnership, a limited liability corporation (LLC), a professional limited liability corporation (PLLC), or corporation? Do you know the requirements that you must comply with for your business to be legal under North Carolina law?
Traffic Tickets
Since our location is close to the Outer Banks, we see a number of individuals who have been pulled over and given a traffic citation on their way to vacation. If that’s you, you should get an attorney immediately. If you simply pay off your ticket, it is the same as pleading guilty, and can have a disastrous long-term effect on your driving history and insurance rates.
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